Senior Brand Director

As a Senior Brand Director, you will lead the development and strategy for the Americas, aligned with the Global strategy, and work to deliver ambitious growth goals. The role will encompass delivery across all levers and channels (including those not owned by WBA). You will also represent your category as a member of the Marketing Leadership Team (MLT) for the Americas.

This role will be responsible for the development, planning, and execution of the brand/s strategy and Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the Americas, including but not limited to integrated marketing programs, commercial programs (promo strategy, training/education approach, eventing and activation, price strategy, etc.). She/he will act as a strategic partner to Global Marketing (located in London, UK), with respect to brand and product roadmap, new product development, and innovation.

This is a key role in the organization and is a strategic business partner to Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, the Global team in the UK, and importantly to our owned retail partner Walgreens. The role will focus on delivering all identified profitability and sales objectives while directing the brands’ marketing activities.

You will be responsible for delivering significant value growth through the development of:

1. A breakthrough marketing strategy
2. An ambitious commercial plan
3. A world-class innovation pipeline
4. A high-performing, cross-functional team

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the full strategic development of the brand for the Americas in both owned & non-owned retail, working closely with owned retail teams, the Americas 3rd party commercial team, and local and global brand teams.
2. Define and implement the Local brand strategy and develop the marketing and brand activation plans aligned with both the Local business development objectives and the Global brand vision.
3. Develop and align the 3YP for the Brands as well as the 12-month IAP defining the annual plan to deliver in-year goals.
4. Pay particular attention to the evolving Route to Market (RTM) and channel mix, as DTC and digital channels become more critical to long-term ambitions and success.
5. Define and coordinate product launch strategy, brand calendars, and initiatives from initial launch strategy through to pricing strategy, promotional and in-store execution, and post-launch follow-up to achieve brand visibility, high sell-through, and substantial in-store ranking within the market.
6. Ensure brand deliverables and timings are met by coordinating and working closely with Sales, Customer Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, Finance, CP&I, and Operations teams.
7. Provide guidance, in conjunction with Sales and Demand Planning, for existing and new products forecast.
8. Develop and deliver an innovative marketing strategy to drive awareness, cultural resonance, and penetration while further developing the unique DNA of the brands, working with local retail and brand teams.
9. Develop and monitor annual A&P budgets to maximize resources. Produce a quarterly review of sales and expenses to provide Budget comparison; periodic formal Brand Reviews, Brand Presentations, in collaboration with CP&I.
10. In partnership with the Digital Center of Excellence, define and execute media plans including Paid, Owned, and Earned in line with brand priorities and guidelines – maximizing efficiency and deliverables.
11. Create Retailer and Retail Store specific programs and support strategies.
12. Spearhead creation and execution of all exclusive marketing programs unique to each retail account, such as special events, exclusive product launches, or exclusive marketing programs.
13. Work with creative agencies, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to create high-quality and flawless execution at point of sale.
14. Analyze competitive data through NPD/Consumer Insights to determine overall impact of programs and generate ideas/needs for programs moving forward.
15. Conduct various analyses (i.e., sell-through, profitability) to assess the performance of brand and activity and make necessary recommendations for follow-up action plans.
16. Analyze impact of tests or changes in merchandising, event, media, and program mix to determine effectiveness.
17. Lead, motivate, and develop a cross-functional team to deliver on business ambitions.

A bit about you…

1. 15+ years of related work experience, MBA preferred.
2. Beauty experience preferred, with demonstrated roles of growing responsibility and delivery.
3. Team leader who can excel in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.
4. Strives for excellence in execution: proactively seeks ways to improve personal and organizational effectiveness to meet current and future business needs.
5. Demonstrates learning agility: ability to anticipate change, face reality, draw conclusions, and swiftly mobilize to adapt to changing needs and demands.
6. Ability to juggle multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
7. Able to spot, nurture, and retain talented functional experts. Known for an ability to coach, educate, and grow junior talent.
8. Proven track record of global beauty brand/product launches including brand strategy, development, and implementation.
9. Deep knowledge and insight of beauty brand innovation and development in an international setting.
10. The position requires strategic thinking, creativity, and thorough knowledge in all areas of marketing including the ability to develop and implement innovative marketing programs.
11. Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities to manage highly complex categories, programs, and retailer initiatives.
12. Strong leadership skills and project management skills.
13. Ability to influence across a broad range of stakeholders both internal and external.
14. Experience in leading and influencing in complex organizations (working in matrix, global organizations of size and scale) and experience of leading an entrepreneurial business.
15. Positive “can-do” attitude and style.
16. Entrepreneurial; ability to drive forward with goals independently.
17. Strong ability to develop and build cooperative working relationships and collaborate with all levels in the organization. Focus on listening to all partners’ perspectives and synthesizing them into one strategic direction.
18. High-impact personal leadership, gravitas, conceptual and analytical thinking, high level of team-playing skills (naturally collaborative, clear thinking, and broad in influencing styles to maximize global thinking and act locally).
19. Excellent written and oral communications, excellent presentation skills, interpersonal and team-building capabilities with internal functional groups as well as with external partners.

A bit about us…

We are No7 Beauty Company, a division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, a modern consumer goods company with purpose, combining the best of traditional companies with the vibrancy and pace of a new digital-first business. With operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, we offer beauty products that consumers can trust. Since No7 launched in 1935, our iconic brand has been joined by equally strong characters in Liz Earle Beauty Company, Soap & Glory, Botanics, Sleek MakeUP, and YourGoodSkin. All our brands have a deep understanding of what customers want because we’re great at listening. Supported and encouraged by inclusive leaders, the people who make up our global teams are the beating heart of No7 Beauty Company. They’re not just passionate about beauty; it’s their innate enthusiasm to innovate that sets them apart and drives them to deliver the very best for our customers. Welcome to the next generation, welcome to No7 Beauty Company.

What we can offer you:

We offer the chance to work in a consumer-led environment with the chance to make an impact on a global scale. With a truly entrepreneurial mindset, we recognize the importance of a diverse workforce who work collaboratively with shared values and ambition. We invest in our people by challenging you and developing you and provide a great local reward scheme including:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual discretionary bonus plan
• Employee Discounts